Professional Sports Team/Club of the year

Description

This award recognises a professional sports team or club that has achieved excellence both on and off the field of play within the Middle East. Eligible entities will be evaluated on their competitive success, professional standards, and their ability to elevate the profile of their sport through outstanding results and organisational integrity. Judges will consider the team’s achievements over the past year, including trophy wins, league performance, and the successful management of professional athletes and staff.

Key considerations include the team’s commercial growth, fan engagement strategies, and their ability to adapt to the evolving demands of the professional sports landscape. Judges will also look for evidence of high-performance culture, strategic partnerships, and a commitment to professional ethics and sportsmanship. Submissions should highlight measurable outcomes, such as performance data, broadcast visibility, and revenue generation, alongside testimonials that demonstrate the team’s status as a leading professional entity in the region.

The organisation/club must have operated in one or more of the following Middle Eastern countries: UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Jordan, Lebanon, Iraq, Iran and/or Syria between 1st January 2025 – 31st December 2025.

Judging Criteria

Judges will assess teams based on competitive excellence and resilience, including performance, trophy wins, league improvements, and consistency throughout the eligibility period. Organisational integrity and professionalism will be considered, including ethical management of athletes and staff and high standards of sportsmanship.

Evaluation will include evidence of a high-performance culture, showing strategic alignment between coaching, medical, and technical staff, as well as commercial growth and partnerships, including revenue, sponsorships, and broadcast visibility.

Fan engagement, community impact, and social value will be assessed through audience growth, digital interaction, outreach programmes, and inclusivity initiatives. Role modelling, leadership, adaptability, and operational excellence will also be considered, reflecting the team’s influence, professionalism, and ability to maintain world-class standards.

Submission Sample

Click here to download the Application Sample